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2-Time Heisman Trophy Finalist Gordie Lockbaum Featured In New ESPN Documentary

BOSTON (CBS) -- It was 30 years ago that Gordie Lockbaum was a sensation at Holy Cross, a throwback who stormed the college football world because he never left the field.

On offense he played running back, slot receiver and wide receiver. On defense, he played cornerback, strong safety, free safety and outside linebacker. He also returned punts and kickoffs.

Lockbaum did it all for Holy Cross, putting the tiny Worcester school on the college football map. He was so good that he finished fifth in 1986 and third in 1987 in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, awarded each year to the best college football player in the country. Even though he didn't win, it was still a major accomplishment for a kid from a 1AA school.

"I viewed every practice, every class, every game as an opportunity," Lockbaum said. "You only got so many college football games."

Gordie Lockbaum
Gordie Lockbaum (WBZ-TV)

Lockbaum, along with former Holy Cross SID Gregg Burke and ESPN senior editor Mike Philbrick spoke at the Downtown Harvard Clubhouse on Tuesday about an upcoming 30 For 30 feature on Lockbaum's run at Holy Cross.

"I think a lot of people related to it, because the era of people that had played both ways could relate to this story," he said.

The feature, called "The Throwback," will air online on December 5.

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